Peace fund centre creating 20 jobs

Peace is set to create 20 jobs in Omagh with the opening of a new centre for the distribution of peace funding.

The offices for the Special European Union Programmes Body were opened in the Co Tyrone town today by Stormont Finance Minister Mark Durkan.

The north-south body will administer some £1.3bn in Northern Ireland and a further £2.75m in the six southern border counties.

Mr Durkan said it was fitting Omagh had been chosen to house the new offices for the peace funding body.

"Both Omagh and the Programmes Body are committed to building peace and reconciliation for the people of Ireland - north and south," he said.

Speaking at the opening Mr Durkan added: "Omagh and its people represent for all of us courage, strength, determination and hope. You demonstrate to all of us through genuine co-operation and tolerance how we can move from the darkness of violence to a brighter more peaceful future."

The values and objectives at the heart of the Special EU Programmes Body echoed those at the heart of the people of Omagh, he said.

"We are all striving for a more tolerant , peaceful and forward looking society, and I believe the body has that goal clearly in its focus."

The body now has three offices in Omagh, Belfast and Monaghan and the minister said it was set to make a major contribution to the promotion of peace and socio-economic development in Northern Ireland and the border region.